Pope Francis is set to make a historic visit to Corsica on December 15, marking the first time a pontiff will visit the island.

The Vatican confirmed the trip after a week of delays due to administrative and diplomatic adjustments.

The visit, which includes a speech at an international colloquium on popular piety and an outdoor mass in Ajaccio, has sparked controversy in France.

This is because it coincides with the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, an event the Pope declined to attend.

The decision to visit Corsica instead is seen as a nod to the Pope's focus on marginalized regions and his friendship with Cardinal François Bustillo of Ajaccio.

The visit is expected to draw thousands of attendees and has been eagerly anticipated by the local Catholic community.